London Charing Cross and Waterloo East stations will close from Sunday, July 26, to Sunday, August 16, 2026, for a major £20 million railway improvement project. Additional weekend closures will take place before and after this period to prepare and complete the works.
Details of Track and Structural Upgrades
The upgrade involves replacing approximately 1,800 metres of track and installing 16 new sets of switches and crossings, which are crucial for train movements between tracks. Network Rail will also improve track drainage at Waterloo East to ensure trains can maintain full line speed safely.
At London Charing Cross, parts of the station will be rebuilt including
new foundations and platform surfaces at the country end to enhance safety and accessibility. Structural repairs are planned for the 175-year-old Hungerford Bridge, which carries the railway over the Thames, and the pedestrian link bridge connecting Waterloo East and London Waterloo stations to extend their lifespan.
Service Diversions and Affected Routes
No trains will call at London Charing Cross or Waterloo East during the closure period. Southeastern services usually terminating at Charing Cross will be diverted to London Victoria, London Cannon Street, London Blackfriars, and London Bridge stations. Travelers should expect altered schedules and potential delays due to these changes.
Passenger Guidance and Refund Options
Passengers affected by the station
closures can claim refunds for all ticket types, including journeys taken on reasonable alternative routes. Southeastern Railway will provide a dedicated refund form accessible on its website starting July 26, 2026. Network Rail advises travelers to check travel arrangements especially for the additional weekend closures, as services may differ from the main closure period.
Official Statements on Closure Timing and Impact
Scott Brightwell, Southeastern Railway’s train services director, stated the £20 million investment will modernize track and platforms originally installed in the 1990s and strengthen Victorian-era structures. Brightwell said, “By consolidating the work into a 22‑day closure, supported by preparation and follow‑up weekends, we can complete the
work more quickly and with less disruption overall than the alternative options of 60 weekend closures or four to five 9-day closures.”
He added that scheduling the closure in summer coincides with approximately 20% lower passenger numbers and school holidays to reduce impact on customers.
